Tag Futebol

Leeds United might well look back on this summer’s transfer window with plenty of regrets come the end of the long and hard Premier League season.

Indeed, no deadline day signings ended up being sealed by the Whites, with the forward areas – in particular – crying out for some fresh blood, considering Daniel Farke’s men have only netted once in league action so far, from three contests.

It wasn’t through a lack of trying, arguably, as Leeds did look set to bring in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Facundo Buonanotte to Elland Road as the days grew ever closer to the chaos of deadline day.

However, at the final hour, the Argentine playmaker chose Chelsea instead as his next onward destination on loan, leaving Leeds with the bitter feeling of what could have been if the South American had entered the building to save the day.

What Buonanotte would have offered Leeds

Unfortunately, the glitz and glamour of lining up for Enzo Maresca’s men swayed the 20-year-old creator to move to West London over West Yorkshire.

He already has an early bump to contend with, though, as he has been shockingly left out of the Italian’s Champions League squad, just a matter of days after penning a loan move.

Still, there will be plenty of opportunities presumably handed to him in the bread and butter of Premier League action, after a loan stint last season out to Leicester City saw him dazzle top-flight defences regularly, despite the Foxes succumbing to relegation.

From 35 appearances at the King Power Stadium, the up-and-coming 20-year-old would pick up an impressive six goals and three assists, with a further seven goal contributions also coming his way back at Brighton, before finding his first-team minutes had dried up.

Leeds would have loved to welcome Buonanotte in on a short-term basis, with plenty more goals and assists registered by the entertaining South American at Elland Road, potentially helping Farke and Co beat the drop.

Instead, the goal-shy Whites will have to make do with Brenden Aaronson as one of their only recognisable number ten options, with the arrival of the two-time Argentina international also allowing them to explore more formations, away from the combative 4-3-3 preferred by Farke currently.

Frustratingly, this selection dilemma could actually be solved right now if Leeds hadn’t discarded a Buonanotte-style ace for just £1m two years ago.

Leeds' original Buonanotte

Farke has gone about making his side far more militant in the midfield ranks, with faces such as Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff not the most creative presences imaginable.

This is where Mateusz Bogusz could have come to the rescue, with the Polish midfielder very much a forgotten relic of Leeds’ recent past.

Before going on to make a name for himself as an attacking menace at both LAFC and Cruz Azul, Bogusz was a rising star tipped for greatness in West Yorkshire, having once been dubbed as a “very talented” player by his ex-U23s coach at Leeds in Carlos Corberan.

While he was showered with praise behind the scenes, the now 24-year-old would never go on to make the grade at a senior level, with three unmemorable men’s games passing him by, before he was offloaded for a bargain £880k to the MLS.

Looking at the table above, this was an unwise decision to make with hindsight on side, with Bogusz now boasting a high 52 goal contributions post his frustrating Elland Road stay.

With an ability to fire home a fierce effort, on top of picking out a teammate with ease, the 25-year-old might well have gone on to be success in the long-term if given more chances to impress, with his “dangerous” style of play – as it was described by reporter Greg Beacham – in the here and now also making him an apt fall back option for Buonanotte’s move being dead in the water.

Instead, there’s just more regrets piling up at Leeds on what could have been, as Farke now just has to make do with what he’s got until January rolls around.

Leeds can fix winger woes by unleashing 18-year-old who's "like Grealish"

Daniel Farke could solve some of his attacking woes by unleashing his own Jack Grealish at Leeds United.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 4, 2025

تحدث جيمي ندايزيي، المدير الفني لفريق إيجل نوار البوروندي، عن خسارة فريقه أمام الأهلي بهدف دون رد في ذهاب دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مؤكدًا أن النتيجة لا تعكس أداء لاعبيه.

وأكد المدرب أن فريقه اكتسب الثقة تدريجيًا خلال المباراة، مشيرًا إلى أن مواجهة الإياب في القاهرة ستكون مختلفة تمامًا، وأن لاعبيه قادرون على تقديم أداء أفضل رغم صعوبة المهمة أمام بطل إفريقيا.

اقرأ أيضًا | ماذا قال ييس توروب بعد أول فوز له مع الأهلي أمام إيجل نوار؟

قال ندايزيي في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “في الشوط الأول كان هناك نقص في الثقة، لكن في الشوط الثاني لعبنا دون أي عقد، وكدنا أن ننجح في إدراك التعادل”.

وأضاف: “الأداء تحسن بشكل واضح في النصف الثاني من المباراة، ونجحنا في الضغط على الأهلي وخلق فرص كادت تغير نتيجة اللقاء، ومن وجهة نظري أن الأهلي لم يستحق الفوز بنسبة 100%”.

وتابع ندايزيي موضحًا رؤيته لمباراة العودة في القاهرة: “أتوقع أن تكون المباراة متكافئة وصعبة على الطرفين، لكننا سنذهب إلى مصر من أجل هدف واضح وهو البحث عن التأهل”.

وشدد: “أثق في اللاعبين، فهم قادرون على الظهور بصورة قوية في القاهرة، خاصة بعد اكتساب الخبرة من مواجهة الذهاب أمام فريق كبير بحجم الأهلي”.

وستكون مباراة الإياب يوم السبت المقبل في القاهرة، ويضمن الأهلي التأهل إلى دور المجموعات من خلال التعادل أو الفوز بأي نتيجة.

Virat Kohli, meanwhile, moves up one spot to fourth on the batting charts, while Matt Henry enters the top three on the bowling list

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2025

Azmatullah Omarzai has dethroned fellow Afghanistan team-mate Mohammad Nabi to be ranked the top allrounder in ODIs following a stellar Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.While Afghanistan could not make it to the semi-final of the tournament, Omarzai had an excellent time of it. He picked up seven wickets in three games, which included a match-winning 5 for 58 against England. He also scored 126 runs at an average of 42.00 and a strike rate of 104.13, often shepherding the Afghanistan lower-middle order through tricky times.Omarzai rose two spots on the rankings charts and is now four points clear of Nabi. He also rose on the ODI batting chart, up 12 spots to 24th on the list.Full rankings tables

Click here for the full team rankings

Click here for the full player rankings

There were some movements for India as well, with Virat Kohli moving up one spot to fourth position following his Player of the Match performance in the semi-final against Australia, where he scored 84 in a 265-run chase. He had earlier scored a match-winning unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in a group match.Shubman Gill continues to hold the top spot on the batting charts, followed by Babar Azam. Heinrich Klaasen is at No. 3, while Rohit Sharma has slipped two places and now sits in fifth. Steven Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier in the day, finished in 16th position.One of the biggest movers on the batting charts was Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran. He rose 13 positions to move to tenth position following his 177 against England.On the bowling front, New Zealand quick Matt Henry has jumped three places to move into third position behind Maheesh Theekshana and Keshav Maharaj. Mohammed Shami, who is making a comeback after an injury layoff, has risen three spots to 11th position. He currently heads the Champions Trophy wicket-taker’s list jointly with Henry, with both bowlers on eight wickets (ahead of the NZ vs SA semi-final).

Everton are entering a new era. Under the guidance of the Friedkin Group, the club is working quickly to rebuild a squad that has been weakened by years of underinvestment and short-term thinking.

David Moyes has already lost several senior players on free transfers, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ashley Young, leaving noticeable gaps in experience, quality and leadership.

A new midfielder is top of the agenda.

Idrissa Gueye has extended his contract, but the Toffees are determined to inject fresh quality into the engine room, with the aim of combining technical excellence with defensive steel.

Among the club’s key targets is a player who has already proven himself at Premier League level, someone who can help Everton move the ball with greater speed and purpose.

After a disappointing season in Serie A, Douglas Luiz is open to a return to England, and Juventus are now willing to sell for a fee in the region of €40m £34m).

Despite not registering a goal or assist for the Bianconeri last season, the Brazilian’s final campaign at Aston Villa showed why he remains such a valuable asset.

According to FBref, he averaged 71.27 passes per 90 minutes, maintained a pass completion rate of 85.6%, and produced 3.92 shot-creating actions each game, all elite-level numbers for a central midfielder.

But for Luiz to flourish, Everton must find the right partner – someone who can offer him the defensive backing he enjoyed at Villa.

Everton's search for a new midfielder

Wilfred Ndidi has long been one of the Premier League’s most effective ball-winners.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Now 27, he is entering the prime of his career and is available at a cut-price fee of just £9m due to a relegation clause in his Leicester City contract.

With two years left on his deal and a base salary of around £75k a week, the Nigerian international represents one of the smartest deals on the market this summer.

According to Ben Jacobs – as he reported late last week – Everton have already made an approach.

Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Real Betis are also circling, while Manchester United have held talks with his representatives. However, their focus has now shifted to securing a new striker following the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo.

The chance is there for the Toffees to pounce…

Why Ndidi would be a perfect partner for Douglas Luiz

Ndidi’s statistical profile is exactly what Everton need.

FBref also reveals he is in the 95th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.29), and 93rd for blocks – clear evidence of his instinctive reading of the game. He ranks in the 97th percentile for clearances and 96th for aerial duels won, offering an extra layer of protection in defensive transitions.

His 4.61 touches per 90 in the defensive penalty area show a calmness and trustworthiness in dangerous zones, while his physicality and stamina make him difficult to bypass.

Players like Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) are similar, but Ndidi’s experience and proven consistency give him the edge. In contrast to Luiz’s creative flair, Ndidi is a player who thrives on breaking up play and maintaining defensive shape.

Together, they offer balance: Luiz as the deep-lying creator, and Ndidi as the screen who shields the backline.

In Everton’s current setup, which often relies on defensive compactness and quick transitions, their complementary traits would give Moyes tactical flexibility.

Importantly, Ndidi brings Premier League pedigree. With over 150 top-flight appearances and Champions League experience with Genk and Leicester, he wouldn’t need a settling-in period.

Everton’s young squad would benefit from his presence both on and off the pitch, with the Nigerian international already described by ESPN’s Colin Udoh as an “absolute monster” in the middle of the park.

The appeal of the deal extends beyond tactics.

Financially, this is exactly the type of move Everton must now make: low-risk, high-upside, and cost-effective.

At £9m, Ndidi would be one of the bargains of the summer. For context, Leicester paid over £15m for him back in 2017.

At a combined fee of under £50m, Everton could land a midfield pairing that brings stability and quality.

Luiz and Ndidi are both under 28, experienced at the highest level, and tactically adaptable.

For a club rebuilding both its squad and identity, securing the duo would represent not just a midfield upgrade, but a clear blueprint for how the Friedkin Group intend to restore Everton’s competitiveness.

Perfect for Barry: Everton ready to make offer for "incredible" £20m star

Following the arrival of Thierno Barry from Villarreal, Everton are now targeting an “incredible” new signing worth £20m…

By
Ben Gray

Jul 24, 2025

يستعد فريق ريال مدريد، بقيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، لخوض مباراة الديربي عصر السبت ضد نظيره أتلتيكو مدريد، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

ويستضيف ملعب “سيفيتاس واندا ميتروبوليتانو” مباراة أتلتيكو مدريد وريال مدريد، في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26.

ويتصدر ريال مدريد جدول الدوري الإسباني بالعلامة الكاملة، 18 نقطة، في حين أن أتلتيكو مدريد لديه 9 نقاط حيث يحتل المركز التاسع.

ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى مواصلة نتائجه المميزة في الدوري الإسباني، خاصة مع ملاحقة برشلونة له حيث يحتل المركز الثاني برصيد 16 نقطة. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 5:15 عصرًا بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 1. معلق مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

سيكون علي سعيد الكعبي هو معلق مباراة اليوم.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Kamran Ghulam’s second century in three outings, backed by three wicket-hauls from Mohammad Imran and Salman Agha handed Markhors their third consecutive win, as they beat Dolphins in Faisalabad. The win helped them consolidate their lead at the top of the points table.It was an all-round show from Markhors with Ghulam making 113 off just 110 balls, which included a 122-run third wicket stand with Mohammad Rizwan. That helped Markhors pile up 284 for 9 in their 50 overs. In reply, Dolphins lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 192 with Markhors winning by 92 runs.After Dolphins decided to field, Mir Hamza removed Markhors openers Bismillah Khan and Mohammad Faizan inside five overs. But Ghulam, fresh off a 115 against Panthers last week, continued his good form. He stabilized the innings with Rizwan, who also scored a half-century.Faheem Ashraf picked four wickets for Dolphins but Markhors managed to put up a big score on the board.Dolphins never really got going in the chase. Opener Mohammad Hurraira fell for a 12-ball duck while Muhammad Akhlaq was dismissed by Naseem Shah. Captain Saud Shakeel tried to hold his end up with 41, but got little support from the others.Asif Ali hit a quick 43-ball 50, but the Dolphins batters failed to stitch a solid partnership. Eventually, they were bowled out in 43.5 overs. Markhors employed six bowlers, and each one of them managed to pick at least a wicket.This was Dolphins’ second defeat of the tournament and they are now the only side to not register a single point on the table.

A Liverpool player who Mohamed Salah admits he loves playing with is expected to be the subject of an offer from a huge club, and he is open to the idea of leaving Anfield.

Who will Liverpool sign after Wirtz?

The Premier League champions have made a huge statement already this summer, with Florian Wirtz arriving for a British record fee of £116m from Bayer Leverkusen, with the German speaking of his delight at joining.

“I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step and of course I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world, and in my opinion Liverpool was one of them. Yeah, I just saw myself in the best hands in Liverpool. I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything what the club offers me was really good. And in the end [it was] also easy to be excited for me to come to Liverpool.”

It’s now a case of seeing who else arrives at Liverpool this summer, with Milos Kerkez joining both Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong at the club, and various players are being linked with moves to Anfield.

Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi has been strongly mentioned in recent days, being seen as both a replacement and an upgrade on the departing Jarell Quansah, and Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been mentioned as a potentially superb attacking signings.

Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star

Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 24, 2025

There are also constant exit rumours surrounding various unwanted Liverpool players, however, and a fresh update has now emerged.

Nunez open to Liverpool exit as Napoli ready offer

According to The Athletic‘s Pearce on X, Napoli are now expected to table an offer for Nunez, with the striker “open” to a move to the Serie A champions:

“Napoli’s interest in Darwin Nunez has been registered and an offer is expected in due course. The Italian champions are the most serious contenders for the 25-year-old and he is open to moving to Naples.”

The £140,000-a-week and £7.3m-a-year Nunez needs to leave Liverpool before next season gets underway, with Arne Slot starting him just eight times in the Premier League last season.

The Uruguayan’s performances have been far too hit-and-miss for too long, even though Salah has admitted that he likes playing alongside him.

“Who do I most like to play with? It was Firmino. Now I feel like I generally like playing with Nunez. A lot of people don’t like him but I like playing with him.”

Nunez is arguably not at the level required to take this brilliant Liverpool team forward after scoring just five league goals last season, with an upgrade required this summer, but he will still leave as a popular figure, given his effort levels.

Napoli could be ideal for him, with their passionate fans likely to be drawn to him, and he could flourish playing in a weaker division than the Premier League.

NZ captain Devine praises Down for swift comeback after birth of child in January

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Jun-2024England will use the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year, with Heather Knight suggesting XIs will be more experimental than usual in home conditions to establish better role clarity ahead of the ICC tournament.The first engagement is an ODI series, which begins at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. The five-match T20I series that follows offers more suitable preparation for the low, turning pitches that await in October on the subcontinent. But with the 50-over leg separate from the ICC Women’s Championship – England sit second, four points behind Australia, with the top five qualifying directly for 2025’s ODI World Cup – there is scope to use the first three matches of this White Ferns tour to try different things.The weather will also help that preparation. The UK is in the midst of a heatwave, and while Durham may be a long way from Dhaka, where England start their T20 World Cup against South Africa on October 3, temperatures are expected to reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius in the north-east on Wednesday. The pitch, which spent Tuesday morning uncovered, is likely to favour spin.”It will probably turn a little bit, which is great for the spinners that we have,” Knight said in her press conference on Tuesday. “It’ll be really great conditions for us for what we’ve got coming up with Bangladesh. It’s going to be hot, the pitch is going to be a little bit dry and it’s going to spin.”It is a far cry from the damp, overcast conditions for last month’s series against Pakistan, with England winning all five completed matches. Though they will be favourites once more over the coming weeks, having beaten this New Zealand side 4-1 and 2-1 in WT20Is and WODIs in March and April of this year, Knight insists that a results-first approach will still be the priority, regardless of any experimentation.”Winning is obviously really important, and with that T20 World Cup coming up we want to build up that momentum,” Knight said. “But also get the combination of the XI we play on the field, get that right.Sophie Devine was in the runs in New Zealand’s last match against England•Getty Images”We might try a few things that we’re thinking about doing in Bangladesh that might not necessarily match the conditions we’re playing in here. I’m talking more about the T20 series here, obviously. But there might be a few little bits that we try.”The main thing is about trying to get the whole squad in the best place that we can and give that clarity around roles as much as we can. In an ideal world, as a captain, I want my bowlers to bowl in all different phases and be able to bowl players in different stages when the match-up is right, or when I get a feeling.”That flexibility, we’ve been trying to build that up over the last year or so. Winning is the main thing, but there are little narratives inside of that as well.”With Sophia Dunkley recalled and Nat Sciver-Brunt ready to reprise her role as an allrounder, there is a familiar feel to the squad. However, an abominable niggle picked up by Kate Cross last week while playing for the ECB Women’s Development XI against New Zealand has ruled her out of the first ODI.South East Stars seamer Ryana Macdonald-Gay has subsequently been drafted into the squad as cover, arriving in Durham on Tuesday afternoon. The 20-year-old has started the domestic season strongly, taking 12 wickets in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy – the second most – off the back of an impressive England A tour of New Zealand in March with 11 wickets across two 50-over and two T20 appearances. She was also part of the England squad for 2023’s inaugural women’s U19 World Cup.Related

Very little Down time – NZ batter keen to seal top-order spot after baby break

Sophia Dunkley meets the brief to earn England recall

Heather Knight stars again as Sunrisers are condemned to wooden spoon

Nat Sciver-Brunt: 'Being myself and free is the best way of displaying Pride'

England call Ryana MacDonald-Gay into ODI squad to face New Zealand

Knight admitted she has not seen all that much of Macdonald-Gay., although the England captain was part of the broadcast team for Oval Invincibles versus Manchester Originals in last year’s women’s Hundred when Macdonald-Gay took 4 for 16.”I first saw her in The Hundred. I think I interviewed her – I was working for the BBC down there and she got player of the match. I remember thinking she was quite accurate and quite skilful with her variations of pace. She doesn’t leave the stumps too much as a little skiddy seamer. From what I can hear, she’s grown a lot in the last year.”That A tour to New Zealand was a really big one for her, she performed really well, against good opposition as well. She’s started this season stellar-ly, and she can bat and field as well. I saw her in the U19 World Cup, she was quite impressive out there for England as well.”Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine believes her team can cause an upset. Wednesday will be their first international fixture since the visit of England in March and April. And though the finale was a consolation win in the third ODI at Hamilton, led by Devine’s unbeaten 100, the 34-year-old believes the introspection that followed, along with three gruelling training camps, has them in good stead to exact some form of revenge.”I think it’s something that New Zealanders are pretty used to, to be fair,” she said of the underdog tag. “Unless it’s rugby union.”Whether we’re underdogs or favourites, it doesn’t really matter to us. We know at the end of the day that we need to be playing to our strengths. And know that we’re going to have fear, but we need to play in the face of fear.”We’ve looked back on that tour because we thought it was a really important phase for us. We came close in a number of those matches but it showed England’s strength to get out of a number of tricky positions. We went back, we reflected really hard on that, and we’ve had a really incredible block of training where we’ve come here and ready to take them on in their backyard.”Devine also championed White Ferns opening batter Lauren Down, who will earn her first international cap since December 2022 after giving birth to her daughter, Ruby, in January.”She certainly makes me feel a little bit guilty,” said Devine. “I’m tired and here she is with her five-month-old daughter Ruby, up and down in the night.”What she’s been able to achieve has been incredible. I certainly hope she feels she’s got 15 aunties on tour. She certainly has been handing Ruby around a little bit, in the changing room or back at the hotel.”I think it’s really important we make her feel comfortable and safe in our environment. But what she’s been able to do on the cricket field has been just astonishing. She’s such a professional in terms of she wants to be in the best possible shape before she steps out on the park, and that’s something I’ve got a lot of time and respect for.”We’re really stoked to have her back, and it’s obviously nice to have another little bub on tour. It certainly brings a little bit of perspective to the group as well. Cricket is incredibly important to us. But when you’ve got a little one there that doesn’t care how your day is gone, all she cares about is getting fed and getting cuddles from mum, it certainly brings a smile to a lot of our faces.”

Following defeat in the Europa League final, Ruben Amorim is reportedly ready to sanction exits for as many as four Manchester United mainstays this summer, as he gets ruthless at Old Trafford.

Amorim "will not quit" at Man Utd

Nobody could have foreseen quite as disastrous as Amorim’s first six months in charge have gone at Manchester United. It was clear that he had quite the task on his hands, as all managers before him had. But to go from four points away from the top four to likely finishing as low as 16th would have been seen as an impossible reality. Yet, with one week to go in the Premier League, that’s exactly where the Red Devils find themselves.

The former Sporting Club boss is not ready to give up quite yet, however. As much as he’s been knocked down, he is seemingly not down and out even after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd ready move for one of the most sought after young talents in Italy

He’s a man in demand.

ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025

Amorim told reporters in his post-match press conference: “I am confident that I am still the guy. More than [at] the beginning! I know that it’s going to be tough. I know that we lost against an English team. I know the patience of the fans is going to be really short in the next season.

“But I guarantee that I will not quit. I will not go away. I am really confident, because I know the club, I know what it means to coach this club. I understand what this team needs. I have more tools to do my job.”

Defeat in the final wouldn’t have revealed anything that Amorim didn’t already know about his side, either. Instead, it has seemingly doubled down just how badly Manchester United need to show several names the door this summer. And the manager is reportedly ready to get ruthless.

Amorim ready for ruthless Man Utd clear out

According to GiveMeSport, Amorim is now ready to ditch Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana this summer in an attempt to make room and fund the arrival of a number of improvements. In all cases, convincing arguments can be made for exit, but three of those represent just how poorly Manchester United have recruited in recent years.

When it comes to Onana, Hojlund and Casemiro, it’s clear as to why they’re set to be shown the door. Onana, despite initially starting the current campaign strongly, has rediscovered bad habits between the sticks. Meanwhile, there remains little sign that Hojlund is set to burst into life almost two years on from a hefty £72m arrival.

Casemiro is an interesting one. The midfielder has been somewhat revived in recent months, becoming an important member of United’s side again amid reports Amorim texted Sir Jim Ratcliffe to praise the Brazilian. Given that he’s now 33 years old, though, he is not someone that the Red Devils should be relying on.

Whilst those three come as little shock, Shaw’s departure would likely surprise a few. Alas, one look at his salary and it becomes clear. A talented defender, but ultimately one that is never fit to showcase those talents, Manchester United must clear his £150,000-a-week from their wage bill this summer.

It’s hard to pinpoint just why this season has gone as horribly as it has for Tottenham Hotspur.

Injuries have undoubtedly played a large part, but even when the team has been close to full strength, they’ve found ways to drop points.

While it feels increasingly likely that Ange Postecoglou will be replaced in the summer, it feels just as crucial that Daniel Levy and Co bring in some genuinely talented players to help whoever the next manager is to take the team back up the Premier League table.

Fortunately, the last few weeks have seen the North Londoners linked with a whole host of extraordinary goalscorers from across Europe, including one who is just four goals behind Harry Kane and could, therefore, be a significant upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

Spurs' striker search

Before we get to the goalscorer in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other strikers linked with Spurs in recent weeks, like Jonathan David and Liam Dealp.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has been in incredible form this season, racking up a tally of 25 goals and 12 assists in 48 games, and will be available for free thanks to his contract expiring in June.

However, since being linked to the Lilywhites, it would appear that Serie A giants Napoli have stormed ahead in their pursuit of the Canadian and are now in talks with him.

Delap, on the other hand, appears not to be in talks with any other teams at the moment, meaning the North Londoners might still be able to get him for around £30m, which could be a steal considering he’s scored 12 goals and provided two assists in just 35 league games this year.

However, perhaps the most gettable, and arguably most interesting, forward Spurs have been linked to in recent weeks is Daizen Maeda.

Reports from earlier this month claimed that the Lilywhites are interested in the Celtic star, who could be available for just £25m.

Now, he might not be the biggest name around, but the Hoops’ Japanese superstar has been in sublime form this season and could very well be an upgrade on Solanke.

Why Maeda would be an excellent signing

So, the first thing to clear up is that while Maeda does tend to play out wide more often than not, he’s no stranger to playing straight down the middle, having done so on ten occasions this season alone.

Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Spurs opt to play him there, which would, thus, put him up against Solanke for game time, but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes down to the most important metric of all for a centre-forward, raw output, it’s the Celtic star who comes out on top, and by quite a significant margin at that.

For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 3891 minutes, the Osaka-born “machine,” as dubbed by previous coaches, has scored 33 goals – just four off Kane’s tally – and provided 12 assists.

In other words, the free-scoring dynamo is averaging a goal involvement every 1.08 games or, even more impressively, every 86.46 minutes.

Appearances

49

42

Minutes

3891′

3221′

Goals

33

15

Assists

12

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.91

0.54

Minutes per Goal Involvement

86.46′

140.04′

In contrast, the North Londoners’ record signing has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3221 minutes.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.82 games, or every 140.04 minutes.

Now, it has to be said that the former Bournemouth star is playing in a far tougher league, but the difference is so stark that it at least suggests that the Japanese international is worth signing to see what he could do in a top-five league.

Ultimately, while Maeda isn’t the biggest name around, his output this season has been nothing short of spectacular, and for the price that was reported earlier this month, he’s certainly worth a gamble, as he could prove to be a massive upgrade on Solanke.

As well as Davies: 3/10 Spurs dud must be axed for the Europa League final

This Tottenham Hotspur player should be dropped for the Europa League final as well as Ben Davies.

ByDan Emery May 12, 2025